We had the good fortune of connecting with Tiffany Heng Hui Lee and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Tiffany Heng Hui, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I have always loved to draw. I also enjoy putting things together; building and creating objects. My science projects always won first place! Obtaining an interior design degree allowed me to do what I love – design, build, create and make the world more beautiful. Interior design is an extension of visual art. When not designing architectural space for commercial interiors I make paper collages, sculptures and jewelry. My paper collages give me the opportunity to be creative and share the beauty found in nature with others.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

As a registered interior design professional my goal is to obtain the best solution for my clients as well as design tranquil and soothing interiors which are sustainable. The same is true for my artwork. Peace and harmony found in nature can be captured by combining the basic elements of water, wood fire, earth, and metal, and transforming these elements into a mixed media collage or a sculpture. I use my knowledge of lines, shapes, colors, textures, and materials to create abstract compositions that capture segments of the natural landscape. They express movement and energy, reflecting the changing, unstable characteristics of nature, as well as the fragmentation and uncertainty of life. We can learn from nature. Nature combines vibrant colors that compliment each other in just the right sequence of shapes and forms to create a beautiful mountain ridge or an enchanting stream. My goal is to capture the shapes and colors that exist in nature and transform them into paper collages so that natures beauty can be cherished and enjoyed forever. As Albert Einstein said, “look deep into nature and you will understand everything better”. Becoming a full time artist at this stage of my life is challenging. The pandemic didn’t help either with limited opportunities to show my work in galleries or other public places. However, I try to make myself visible and stay busy by telling stories through my artwork. Thanks to several open call opportunities listed in Instagram, several of my pieces have won competitions with awards. Specifically, my artwork was shown and selected in virtual gallery exhibitions in Germany, the UK and Amsterdam. I was also fortunate to be honored in the inaugural issue of “The Huts” magazine and “Ever Emerging Mag” published in the Netherlands. So my art resume’ has new updates that allow me to continue marching forward with my artistic career.


Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a day long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
An ideal day for me would begin with a taste of Italy breakfast at the La Sicilia Italian Bakery and Cafe, located at 515 Westheimer. Afterward, I would stop by the recently opened translucent Nancy and Rich Kinder building, designed by Steven Hall. The adventure begins with a walk through the colorful tunnel leading to an open three story structure that is a work of art itself. The wonderful artwork located inside provides an experience that everyone will treasure. After working up an appetite touring the museum a delicious lunch at One Dim Sum, 510 Gray Street, will be in order. This restaurant has a great selection of dim sum and classic Chinese dishes with a creative twist. The chefs take an inventive approach to traditional recipes keeping the authentic flavors for each dish and then garnishing to create an artistic visual experience. After lunch, I would return to the nearby museum district and stop by the Asia Society Texas Center, designed by Japanese architect Yoshio Taniguchi. Although Taniguchi may be best known in this country for his renovation and expansion of the Museum of Modern Art in New York, my favorite is his unique building in Houston which has a must see serine pool of water as its roof and bamboo gardens hidden inside. Interesting exhibits from the east bring art, education and culture to the west, forging closer ties for all. After touring the Asia Society Texas Center a visit to the Menil museum would be nice. A relaxing walk around the surrounding neighborhood or a short nap while laying on the lush green grass would be great. Supper at Prego, 2520 Amherst, which offers a delightful modern Italian cuisine with handcrafted-pasta, house-cured salumi, hand-tossed pizzas as well as a number of gulf seafood dishes inspired by traditional Italian cuisine, would be in order. After our meal, a short stroll around the Rice University area with some window shopping will be a perfect way to end an ideal day in Houston.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Attending the University of Houston to obtain my bachelor and master degrees provided the inspiration and encouragement to make my dreams come true. My instructors demanded excellence, the interior design program was challenging and my fellow students were competitive. Specifically, my instructor, sponsor and friend, Angi Patton, developed and encouraged my interior design abilities by constantly challenging me to develop creative solutions and accepting only perfection for every assignment. She gave me a perspective for designing interior space that focused on lines, shapes and colors and highlighted the importance of paying attention to every detail. While a graduate student I was also a teaching assistant which allowed me to inspire and encourage others to incorporate a requirement for detail into their work. Richard Stout, my painting professor, also shaped my career as an artist. Attending his class was not easy. Many students broke out in tears as he critiqued their work or suggested that they should just start over. His demanding nature to except nothing less than excellence helped many artists become successful in a highly competitive market world. Jack Hanna, another key interior design professor, also provided invaluable support by nominating me for a scholarship that allowed me to continue my studies while on a limited budget. This scholarship along with the friendship and understanding of three room mates that were willing to share a one bedroom apartment, allowed me to graduate with a bachelors and masters of fine arts degree. My days as a Cougar at U of H motivated me to become who I am today!

Website: https://tinyurl.com/tiffanylee944

Instagram: @tiffanylee944

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutHTX is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.